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Student Life

Explore the Harvard Chan School student experience and learn about life in Boston, career paths, and opportunities to connect with the Harvard Chan community

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Student Organizations and Opportunities

Harvard Chan School’s dozens of student organizations provide fantastic opportunities for personal and professional growth, leadership development, and networking—expanding what you will learn at the School in countless ways.

You’ll find affinity groups designed to build supportive communities; organizations dedicated to addressing pressing issues in the field of public health; and clubs focused on the arts, music, and sports.

Interested in launching a startup? Find support at Harvard Innovation Labs or H2A, an accelerator for social impact ventures.

The Harvard Chan Student Government Association meets regularly with School leadership to convey student views and organizes popular social events, including I-Night, an annual celebration of the diverse talents and cultures in our community.

Student snapshots

Students talking to one another in a crowded room. — Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community at Harvard Chan School.

Students and faculty dressed up like Pac-Men for Halloween — The Mair lab in the Molecular Metabolism department goes all out for Halloween.

Students painting pumpkins at table. — Painting pumpkins in Sebastian’s Cafe.

Seven students standing in front of a tan wall. — Members of the Students of Color Group gather before an event.

Students huddled in conversation. — Huddling to discuss next steps during a simulation of a humanitarian crisis.

Meet global health leaders

During the academic year, a huge variety of symposia, workshops, Q&As, and lectures are held every week, both on campus and online.

The Harvard Chan Studio brings leaders in government, science, and business to campus for panel discussions and fireside chats, with time set aside for student questions. And the Office of Diversity and Inclusion holds discussions, social celebrations, and film screenings throughout the year.

Recent symposia and events

Inside the Harvard Chan Studio

Jacinda Ardern, former prime minister of New Zealand, speaks with Interim Dean Jane Kim

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent representing Vermont, speaks at a Studio event.

Faculty member Tamarra James-Todd interviews David Cash, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1, covering New England.

Eating for a Healthier Planet studio panel event — A panel discussion on “Eating for a Healthy Body and a Healthy Planet” at the Harvard Chan Studio.

Connect with nonprofits

There are also many opportunities to connect with nonprofits and advocacy groups in the Boston area. Each fall, the Harvard Chan Community Day of Service brings students, staff, and faculty to work with local organizations on projects ranging from gardening in local parks to serving meals in shelters to building harm reduction kits.

Many faculty also work closely with communities across Boston, opening additional paths to build connections and make a difference.